“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
“Class Of ’57” by The Statler Brothers is one of those songs that feels like a trip down memory lane, even if you weren’t there for the journey. The song, written by Don Reid and Harold Reid, is a nostalgic reflection on the lives of high school graduates from the class of 1957, touching on the paths they took and the dreams they held.
What makes this song truly special is the way it captures the bittersweet nature of growing up. The lyrics walk us through the stories of various classmates, each with their own unique fate—some uplifting, others tragic, but all relatable. It’s not just a song; it’s a story, a slice of life that resonates with anyone who’s ever looked back and wondered where the time went.
Performed live in the United States in 2003, “Class Of ’57” takes on an even deeper meaning. The Statler Brothers’ harmonies are as tight as ever, but there’s something about the live setting that adds an extra layer of emotion. You can hear the crowd’s reactions, feel the connection between the performers and the audience—a shared understanding of the passage of time and the way life doesn’t always turn out as planned.
This song is more than a nostalgic tune; it’s a reminder that life is unpredictable, and that’s what makes it beautiful. The Statler Brothers manage to capture both the joy and sorrow of life’s journey in a way that feels like a conversation with an old friend—a conversation that leaves you feeling both comforted and reflective.
Video
Lyrics
Tommy’s selling used cars
Nancy’s fixing hair
Harvey runs a grocery store
And Margaret doesn’t care
Jerry drives a truck for Sears
And Charlotte’s on the make
And Paul sells life insurance
And part-time real estate
Helen is a hostess
Frank works at the mill
Jenett teaches grade school
And probably always will
Bob works for the city
And Jack’s in lab research
And Peggy plays organ at the Presbyterian Church
And the class of ’57 had its dreams
We all thought we’d change the world with our great works and deeds
Or maybe we just thought the world would change to fit our needs
The class of ’57 had its dreams
Betty runs a trailer park
Jan sells Tupperware
Randy’s on an insane war
And Mary’s on welfare
Charlie took a job with Ford
And Joe took Freddie’s wife
Charlotte took a millionaire
And Freddie took his life
John is big in cattle
Ray is deep in debt
Where Mavis finally wound up is anybody’s bet
Linda married Sonny
Brenda married me
And the class of all of us is just part of history
And the class of ’57 had its dreams
But living life, day and day, is never like it seems
Things get complicated when you get past eighteen
But the class of ’57 had its dreams
Oh, the class of ’57 had its dreams